Gov. Patrick's chief of staff quitting

BOSTON (AP) - Gov. Deval Patrick's chief of staff is quitting.

Doug Rubin told The Associated Press on Thursday he will be resigning in the next several weeks to return to the political consulting practice he left behind when he joined Patrick's staff in the spring of 2007.

Rubin said "it's the right time" after Patrick secured approval of key transportation, ethics, pension and budget initiatives. The governor is also gearing up for re-election in 2010.

Rubin was the chief strategist for Patrick's 2006 campaign and says his firm will fill a similar role next year's election.

Rubin will be replaced by Arthur Bernard, a senior adviser to Patrick.